February 2017

February 06, 2017

"The Laughing River Yoga Teacher Training Program is the best thing I ever did for myself.”- Lisa G., 2013

“One of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life.I wish I could do it all over again.”- Liz W., 2013

“I can’t say thank you enough for the amazing guidance you providedover the last nine months. I had high expectations for the YTT program andthey were totally blown through the roof! So, from the very bottom of myheart, thank you!” – Eddie S., 2015

“Nine months ago I was a totally different person from who I am now. I feel more whole, loving (and loved) today than I ever have before and I am so excited and able to share this transformative inspiration to others.” – A.L., 2016

Sofi and Emily are among a small handful of the most experienced yoga teachers in the state of Vermont. Each has been teaching yoga for twenty years. The wisdom and skill that can only result from this amount of experience is invaluable and irreplaceable. You can only teach that which you know.

Sofi and Emily have touched thousands of lives through their teaching. Both have experience teaching groups, individuals, at risk youth, people with disabilities, workshops, and retreats. Their passion and dedication as teachers has resulted in the studio Laughing River Yoga, voted Best Yoga Studio in Vermont by Seven Days two years in a row, and the highly respected Laughing River Yoga Teacher Training. 2017 will mark the sixth year of the training which has produced teachers currently teaching in studios, schools, prisons, office settings, community centers, rehab centers and more throughout the North East.

When, Where, Who and Why?:

The next 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training with Sofi Dillof and Emily Garrett will take place September 2017 through May 2018. This training is geared towards aspiring teachers as well as serious practitioners who do not expect to teach but wish to deepen their understanding of all aspects of yoga. Come study what you love in a safe, supportive and dynamic environment.

Emily and Sofi believe that in order to authentically connect with students, a teacher must be able to first authentically connect with them self. Our teacher training will encourage and support you in doing the work necessary to deepen your understanding of who you are. You will use traditional yogic techniques, journaling and group discussion to explore yourself in a skillful and compassionate way.

What will be covered:

– Analytical training in how to teach and practice asanas, pranayamas, chanting, mantra and meditation.

– How to demonstrate, observe, assist and instruct yoga.

– Qualities of a yoga teacher

– Anatomy and physiology

– Yoga philosophy

Through this process, you will learn how to safely guide others through a complete yoga practice. You can expect to work hard and go deep.

Logistics:

The nine month program includes one weekend of intensive classes a month plus 35 weekly drop-in classes with Sofi, Emily and/or Julia at the studio, home study and one day retreat. If you miss one weekend you are still eligible for certification. If you miss two weekends you will need to make up one of them in order to be eligible for certification. If you miss more than two weekends we cannot guarantee certification.

Pre-requisites: This training is open to all sincere, serious students of yoga who want to take it to the next level. We recommend a daily home yoga practice of at least 20 minutes and at least one group class a week with a teacher of your choice for at least six months leading up to the training. This will set a strong foundation for the group, generate questions about practice, and inspire you to learn more.

To register: Cost is $2500. To save your spot please mail, drop off, or pay online a $500 deposit to Laughing River Yoga, One Mill St. Suite 126, Burlington, VT 05401. Balance due prior to the start of the training. VSAC offers non-degree grants for this training. Please note that if you receive a grant from VSAC you will still need to register directly with us, including paying a deposit in order to reserve your spot. If you receive a VSAC grant for the full amount we will refund your deposit once the training has begun.

Find out more in person: We are hosting an informational meeting for those interested in the teacher training on Saturday May 6 from 2-3 pm. Come and ask questions and meet others who are also interested.

Cancellation policy: More than three months prior you receive your deposit minus a $75 processing fee. Three months prior you receive 50% of your deposit back. Two months prior you receive 25% of your deposit back. Less than one month prior there will be no return on your deposit. If you decide to withdraw from the training after it has begun your money will not be refunded.

meet sofi...

Sofi, co-founder of Laughing River Yoga, is an advanced certified Jivamukti Yoga Instructor and a level 1 certified LifeForce Yoga® practitoner. She was first given permission to teach in 1997 by Alan Finger in the tradition of Ishta Yoga, and soon after found her foremost teachers David Life and Sharon Gannon, co- founders of Jivamukti Yoga. Along with David and Sharon, Sofi sites Seane Corn as one of her main inspirations.

Sofi is the co-founder and director of the Laughing River Yoga 200 and 300 hour Teachers Training Programs Laughing River Yoga in Burlington Vermont.

" The underlying theme in all my classes is devotion. I believe that the amount of happiness and freedom we experience in our lives is deeply linked to our ability to dedicate ourselves to something greater then our own personal gain. Through devotion we are able to reconnect with the Infinite wisdom that
dwells within the heart of each one of us."

In her classes, workshops and retreats, Sofi combines a deep understanding of sacred Yoga texts with creative asana sequencing, chanting, music and meditation to provide students with an enriching and heart-opening experience. Her goal is to clearly communicate the traditional ancient teachings of Yoga in a way that will assist students to understand and reflect upon them so that they can be used to enrich their daily lives and lead them to their True Nature of Oneness.